City of Galesburg City Council met March 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Called to order by Mayor John Pritchard at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor John Pritchard, Council Members Angela Bastian, Wayne Dennis, Russell Fleming, Corine Andersen, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Jeremy Karlin, 7. Also present were City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz, City Manager Todd Thompson, and City Attorney Bradley Nolden. Mayor Pritchard declared a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Semenya McCord gave the invocation.
Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Bastian, to approve minutes of the City Council meeting from the March 4, 2019, meeting.
Roll Call #2:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA #2019-06
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and is enacted by one motion.
Mayor Pritchard recused himself from the meeting at 6:32 p.m. Deputy Mayor Allen presided over the meeting.
19-2004
Approve Resolution 19-05 authorizing the submittal of the Section 5311 and Downstate Public Transit Operating Assistance Grant Application for the period July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.
19-3015
Approve bid proposal from Davey Resource Group in the amount of $3.65 per tree to complete a tree inventory for Parks & Recreation.
19-3016
Approve bid from Legacy Corporation of IL in the amount of $19,880 for brush located on the west side of the oversized brush drop off site located on Pickard Road.
19-5001
Receive the December 31, 2019, Investment Schedule.
19-6001
Approve the following appointments to the Community Relations Commission: Demarkius Medley, term expires February 2020
Kyle Kelley, term expires February 2020
19-8005
Approve bills in the amount of $646,751.54 and advance checks in the amount of $648,295.89.
Council Member Fleming asked that agenda item 19-3015 be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Council Member Fleming moved seconded by Council Member Karlin, to approve Consent Agenda 2019-06, omitting agenda item 19-3015.
Roll Call #3:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Allen, and Karlin, 6.
Nays: Council Member Schwartzman, 1.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote.
Mayor Pritchard returned at 6:36 p.m.
19-3015
Council Member Fleming moved, seconded by Council Member Bastian, to approve the bid proposal from Davey Resource Group in the amount of $3.65 per tree to complete a tree inventory for Parks & Recreation. It was noted that this is an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Morton Arboretum and will provide $15,000 towards the completion of the inventory.
Roll Call #4:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 5.
Nays: Council Members Dennis and Fleming, 2.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
BIDS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
19-3017
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Bastian, to approve the unit bid prices from Core & Main for various water meters and radio units to be purchased in 2019 by the Water Division.
Roll Call #5:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-3018
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to approve the bid from Water Products Co. of IL in the amount of $22,375 for the replacement of stock fire hydrants for the Water Division.
Roll Call #6:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
UBLIC COMMENT
Several external agencies addressed the Council regarding their requests for funding, including representatives from Railroad Days, Choral Dynamics, Bridgeway, Galesburg Community Chorus, Sugar High Theatricals, The Salvation Army, Galesburg Youth Athletic Club, The Great Balloon Race, Galesburg Heritage Days, Christmas in Action, National Stearman Fly-In, VNA Community Services, and the NOVA Singers. All thanked the Council for their continued support and explained their use of the proposed funding.
Catherine Wiley-Parkin addressed the Council and implored them to have an investigation done into the discrimination and harassment claims that have been plaguing the City for last several years. She noted that the Wilson v. Jones case is done but that the City owes the community and its employees to find out how it got to this point. She is concerned about the management of personnel and the fact that the former HR Director was responsible for sexual harassment training but received a suspension during the same time. She also stated that Mr. Jones received a two step pay increase from the City Manager months after allegations were made toward him.
Curt Kramer, Knox County Humane Society, addressed the Council and asked for their consideration for their contract renewal and that he was available for questions if needed.
Stacy Tomman addressed the Council regarding questions of the Galesburg Police Department and concerns she has on the Tyler Smith case. She believes there is a video that was not obtained or reviewed, improper documentation was made, names were forgotten, and no response was made to several Freedom of Information requests. She questioned a video that shows a police officer following Smith on the night he died and why the police department will not come forward with more information.
Sandra Halsne, Tyler Smith’s mother, addressed the Council about her son’s death in Cedar Fork. She feels that her son’s death should be further investigated and has concerns about the unprofessional handling of his case and negligence of the police department. She has many questions regarding his death, including video, clothes and other evidence that was destroyed, the fact that the State Police were not called to assist in the investigation, and the disrespectful way they were treated. She added that her son was an Army National Guardsman, college graduate, and had been hired to be a police officer.
A representative of Better Track on East Fifth Street addressed the Council and stated they are trying to help members of the homeless population and that she has a personal and vested interest in the success of their program.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. Traffic Advisory Report for March was received.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.)
19-4031
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, to approve a renewal agreement with Prairieland Animal Welfare Center for providing animal control and animal sheltering services for the City of Galesburg. This agreement will be for the period of April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020.
Roll Call #7:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-4032
Council Member Fleming moved, seconded by Council Member Karlin, to approve external agency funding requests and fund applications at the amounts listed below for a total expenditure of $102,650.
| Agency | 2019 Requested | 2019 Recommended |
| Bridgeway | $7,000 | $- |
| Choral Dynamics | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Christmas In Action | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Galesburg Community Chorus | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| Galesburg Lions Club - Fireworks | $11,000 | $11,000 |
| Galesburg Motorcycle Club, Inc | $- | $- |
| Galesburg Youth Athletic Club | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | $- | $- |
| Heritage Days | $12,500 | $8,000 |
| KCCDD | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Knox County Fair | $12,000 | $7,500 |
| Knox County Scenic Drive | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Knox Galesburg Symphony | $10,000 | $8,750 |
| National Stearman Fly-In | $10,000 | $8,750 |
| New Limited Rods of Western IL | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Nova Singers | $5,000 | $3,900 |
| Prairie Players Theatre | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| Railroad Days | $12,000 | $11,250 |
| Sugar High Theatricals | $1,000 | $- |
| The Great Balloon Race | $9,000 | $6,250 |
| The Salvation Army | $30,000 | $5,000 |
| United Way | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| VNA Community Services | $11,000 | $5,000 |
| Total | $159,000 | $102,650 |
Roll Call #8:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, and Andersen, 3.
Nays: Council Members Fleming, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 4.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion failed.
Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Schwartzman, to amend 19-4032 by adding funding for Bridgeway in the amount of $7,000 and Sugar High Theatricals in the amount of $1,000. This would bring the total for External Agency funding to $110,650.
Roll Call #9:
Ayes: Council Members Andersen, Schwartzman, and Karlin, 3.
Nays: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, and Allen, 4.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion failed.
Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council Member Karlin, to amend 19-4032 by adding funding for Bridgeway in the amount of $3,500 and Sugar High Theatricals in the amount of $500. This would bring the total for External Agency funding to $106,650.
Roll Call #10:
Ayes: Council Members Andersen, Schwartzman, and Karlin, 3.
Nays: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, and Allen, 4.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion failed.
City Manager Thompson explained that each year, external agencies request funding to support various programs and functions provided to the community. Funding is allotted for assisting external agencies in the Economic Development Fund. This year, 21 organizations requested $159,000 of funding. Of these applicants, 17 have received external agency funding in the past, and four are new applicants. In the past, funding requests totalled approximately $30,000. He stated that staff has been collaborating with The Galesburg Community Foundation in streamlining and developing focus for funding process and Administration will provide recommended changes to the structure and process in the near future.
Council discussed that many of the organizations were worthy of receiving funding and that they are passionate about putting Galesburg “on the map.” Most organizations have needs but Council Member Fleming encouraged them to fundraise outside of receiving City funding so that they can get community support.
The Mayor requested a roll call on the recommended external agency funding requests and fund applications at the amounts listed above for a total expenditure of $102,650.
Roll Call #11:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
19-4033
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the demolition process on the following properties:
1. 167-169 Blaine Avenue
2. 915 Avenue A
3. 812 E. North Street
4. 49 W. North Street
5. 1075 N. Farnham Street
Planning & Public Works Director/City Engineer Wayne Carl stated that with this approval, it brings the total demolitions for 2019 to 13-15. The City Manager will send out information regarding the current and past demolition budget and goals.
Roll Call #12:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 6.
Nays: Council Member Fleming, 1.
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-4034
Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Bastian, to approve the quote from TAPCO for $6,005 for the purchase of an exact replacement radar feedback sign for the front of Lombard Middle School.
Roll Call #13:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried
19-4035
Council Member Bastian moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, to approve the cost in the amount of $6,175.80 to perform a diagnostic evaluation of the soft starter feature of the high service pump #3 by Decatur Industrial Electric.
Roll Call #14:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-4036
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Bastian, to approve the proposal from Hutchison Engineering Inc. in an amount not to exceed $15,000 to provide inspection services for the rehabilitation of the Ranney Collector Well in Oquawka.
Roll Call #15:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-4037
Council Member Andersen moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, to waive normal purchasing policies and approve the proposal from the Layne Christensen Company to rehabilitate the Ranney Collector Well in Oquawka for a lump sum amount of $296,000.
Roll Call #16:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-4038
Council Member Bastian moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve change orders 1 to 4 for Phase II replacement of lead water service lines financed through a forgivable loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program in the total amount of $273,808.16 for additional water service line replacements. The City will be reimbursed for the total cost of this work.
Roll Call #17:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote.
TOWN BUSINESS
19-9005
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Fleming, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same.
| Fund Title | Amount |
| Town Fund | $4,746.75 |
| General Assistance Fund | $2,685.97 |
| IMRF Fund | |
| Social Security/Medicare Fund | |
| Liability Fund | |
| Audit Fund | |
| Total | $7,432.72 |
Ayes: Trustees Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
19-9006
Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Fleming, to approve the agenda for the Annual Town Meeting to be held Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6:00 p.m. at the Township Hall (121 W. Tompkins Street).
Roll Call #19:
Ayes: Trustees Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried
Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Fleming, that the Town Board resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Member Bastian thanked all the non profits that attend the meeting and stated that they all provide great value to our community. She thanked them for all they do for our city.
Council Member Dennis stated that his thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand.
Council Members Fleming and Andersen also provided their appreciation to all the agencies that attend the Council meeting regarding funding.
Council Member Schwartzman also stated that non profits are an amazing resource for our community and that they are all worthy of funding. He hopes that in the future a work session can be held so that more information and discussion can be provided. He added that these organizations are what make our community vibrant and provide economic development.
Mayor Pritchard reported that he attended an event on March 1st where the City’s engineering firm for the Jon Sibley Underpass project, Hanson Professional Services Inc., was presented with a special achievement award. The awards were presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois and recognizes outstanding projects in the state. He commended Planning & Public Works Director/City Engineer Wayne Carl for his excellent work on the project, especially in light of having to coordinate with BNSF and IDOT.
Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:01 p.m. for the purposes of discussing personnel, litigation, and approval of the minutes from the January 7 and 24, February 4 and 18, and March 4, 2019, executive session meetings (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) ( 1), (11), and (21).
Roll Call #20:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
During the Executive Session, Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:14 p.m.
Roll Call #21:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
There being no further business, Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member leming, to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Roll Call #22:
Ayes: Council Members Bastian, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, and Karlin, 7.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Chairman declared motion carried.
https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/031819_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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